Computing Requirements for the MSN Program
Regular access to and competent skill in using the following computer hardware and software are required for students entering the RN to BSN and the MSN programs:
Hardware:
- Computer
- Processor: Intel Celeron 600 MHz (Intel Pentium 4 2.8 GHz or higher recommended) 1
- Memory: 128 MB RAM or higher recommended)
- Hard Drive: 10 GB or higher recommended)
- CD-ROM Drive: 48X (DVD and CD-RW drives recommended)
- Printer (HP recommended)
Software:
- Software Used
- Operating System: Windows 98SE, Me, 2000, or XP (Windows XP SP2 recommended)
- Word Processing: Microsoft Word 2000 or higher (2003 recommended) 2
- Presentation: Microsoft PowerPoint 2000 or higher (2003 recommended)
- Current Internet Browser: Internet Explorer 5.5 SP2 or higher (6.0 SP1 recommended) 3
- Browser Plug in: Adobe Acrobat Reader 6.0 or higher (7.0 recommended) 4
- Browser Plug in : Macromedia Flash Player 7 or higher 6
- Internet access:
- Reliable connection to the Internet 5
- An e-mail account with capabilities to send and receive attachments
Questions about acquiring and using the above hardware and software can be directed to UIW Help Desk at 829-2721, or helpdesk@uiwtx.edu. If you are not comfortable with Microsoft Word, Power Point, Acrobat Reader, E-Mail and the Internet, a computer course, such as the UIW School of Evening Studies’ Computer Literacy Course, is highly recommended.
1 Students who need to purchase a computer can do so through the UIW Dell agreement. See http://www.uiwtx.edu/~Laptop/index.html.
2 If your computer came with Microsoft Works (a limited-featured word processing program which isn’t compatible with other major programs), please note you will need to purchase a copy of Microsoft Word. It is recommended that you obtain the full Microsoft Office Suite, which includes PowerPoint along with Word. There is an educational/student version of the Microsoft Office suite, available for students/faculty at a considerable discount from the regular price. See http://msca.foundationccc.org/order1.asp.
3 You can get free upgrades to Internet Explorer by visiting http://www.windowsupdate.com, and downloading all updates listed under Critical Updates and Service Packs. Most courses are anchored in Blackboard.com, the university’s online course management system. For more information about Blackboard, including a visual tour, information about compatible browsers and frequently asked questions, visit http://blackboard.uiwtx.edu.
4 You can download the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader for free by visiting their website at: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html.
5 Unless you are already an AOL customer, it is suggested that you choose a different ISP (Internet Service Provider) due to known difficulties with AOL and e-mail attachments.
6 You can download the latest version of Flash Player at http://www.macromedia.com/.
For further information, contact:
Sandra Strickland, Dr.P.H., R.N.
Associate Professor and Chair of Graduate Nursing Programs
University of the Incarnate Word, 4301 Broadway, Box 300, San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 829-3988
E-mail: strickla@uiwtx.edu
